Paras Mani – the missing touch!

Paras Mani is an amazing substance which is said to possess the unique power of turning any of the base metals into gold by a mere contact. The Hindi dictionary also supports the same meaning and description of this wonder matter. The story books that we used to read in our childhood were prominently dominated by the reference of this magical stone. We were very easily fascinated by the features of this substance which lent wings to our tiny fantasies and imagination. As my thinking matured I subtly got to understand that the word Parasmani was used as metaphorical expression which indicated towards the power of ‘Karma’ which dwells in every human being. If we activate it and try to wipe off the dust accumulated on it, anything can be turned into gold, any obstacle and problem can be removed with just the touch and use of this substance. The crux of Bhagvat Gita and the teachings of Lord Krishna also revolve around this metaphorical ‘Paras Mani’ in Karma and the karmayogis (the performers).

The magical impact of ‘Paras Mani’ was experienced by me on the recently celebrated Martyrdom Day when I was in audience listening to the heroic deeds and sacrifices made by the martyrs. Every word uttered describing the life sketch of Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru, Sukhdev, Subhash Chander Bose was enough in injecting renewed energy into my veins and very effectively gave me the required boosters. The thought of the sacrifices instantly filled in me a unique sense of pride encouraging me to do whatever I can for my Nation, for the freedom of which our heroes have made such supreme sacrifices. Are these martyrs not the real life ‘Paras Manis’? Do they not still possess the magical power which can lend sheen and life to our otherwise insulated character? Are they not powerful enough to turn the rusty character of today’s human beings into the gold? The Paras Mani in them still possesses the same magic but the need is of perpetual contact which has been regretfully lost. When just a passing contact with their deeds and memories can instantly ignite the flame in otherwise dampened character of human beings, the hearty and soulful contact with them and their deeds can undoubtedly turn every inch of us into ‘Gold’. The lost contact has given way to yet another variety of Paras Manis who are self styled in nature. Our society and country is unluckily ‘privileged’ to have them in abundance amongst us. When success goes into the head of any person he very easily starts considering himself as the ultimate Paras Mani, forgetting the ideals, principles and spirit of the real Paras Mani dwelling in our freedom fighters and Nation builders. Instead of borrowing sheen and glitter from the real life Paras Manis, they detach themselves from them and try to boast off, highlight and project their own false and temporary patina. Such persons very easily start brewing in them the feeling that whatever glitter is there in the outer world is solely due to them. Our politicians see India Shining but when they are not in power they find the same India Whining.

From the Paras Mani of the story books which gave wings to the fantasies of the children to the real life Paras manis in our National Heroes who still possess enough power to ignite our otherwise somnolent and insulated character, we have painfully moved to be in contact with the modern day self styled Paras Manis who are so powerfully obsessed with the false glitter of their harmfully pampered egos that they cannot see beyond themselves. These self styled Paras Manis very conveniently entangle themselves in the web of their false egos and end up being only the ‘Chinta Manis (Source of Worry) for not only themselves but for the society too.